.338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .50 BMG is about 120 ft/s faster at the muzzle (2,700 vs 2,820 ft/s).
The .50 BMG carries about 173% more energy at the muzzle (13,242 vs 4,856 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
The .50 BMG's typical bullet has the higher BC (1.050), so it holds speed better and drifts less in the wind at long range.
Side by side
| .338 Lapua Magnum | .50 BMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Long-range sniper round designed to reach 1,500 m with full power. Also a heavy-game hunting round. | John Browning's heavy machine gun round. Used for anti-materiel rifles and long-range competition. |
| Typical load | 300 grSierra MatchKing | 750 grA-Max |
| Muzzle speed | 2,700 ft/s | 2,820 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 4,856 ft-lbs | 13,242 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | 0.768maker's G1, used for the drop figures | 1.050maker's G1, used for the drop figures |
| Twist rate | 1:10 | 1:15 |
| Recommended platform | ELR rifle, 15–18 lb with brakeHeavy recoil; a brake is close to required | Heavy rifle, 25–35 lb with brakeMassive recoil without the weight and brake |
Which one fits you?
.338 Lapua Magnum: Long-range sniper round designed to reach 1,500 m with full power. Also a heavy-game hunting round.
.50 BMG: John Browning's heavy machine gun round. Used for anti-materiel rifles and long-range competition.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
More
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.